Gun sellers expect modest increase in sales if FBI system used for background checks

RALEIGH – While pro-gun groups push for House Bill 562 and gun control advocates, allied with the state sheriffs association oppose it, gun shop owners say revoking the need for a permit to purchase a pistol will likely increase their sales and decrease marketing costs.

“There are times we have someone interested in a handgun but they don’t live in the county and don’t know they need a permit. They won’t buy the gun,” said Brandon Scott, manager of the Springhill Outfitters store in Selma, N.C.

Scott says the customer may well buy the gun in another county, but he still expects a modest increase in handgun sales were the bill to pass. The bill passed the House Rules Committee on Wednesday by one vote.

Even though the increase in sales may be trifling, Scott says the current system is still frustrating from a business perspective.

“You work hard to advertise and bring customers to the store, and then even if a customer wants to make a purchase, they can’t,” Scott said.